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FAQS

Epilepsy Information

Living with epilepsy

Epilepsy is a disorder of the brain. In people with epilepsy, nerve cells (neurons), which normally affect other neurons, glands, muscles, thoughts, and feelings, sometimes signal abnormally. When this happens, it is called a seizure. Epilepsy is not a mental illness or a sign of a low IQ. It is not contagious and, therefore, cannot be transmitted from one person to another.

What are seizures?

Seizures occur when neurons fire more rapidly than normal causing diffrerent sensations, emotions, and behaviors. Many experts refer to seizures as "electrical disorders" in the brain. Some seizures lead to convulsions and may cause uncontrolled "jerking" movements. Other seizures may look like the person is blanking out, having a staring spell, or even a series of muscle spasms. Epilepsy means that a person has had more than one seizure. Many people with epilepsy first get seizures in infancy and childhood.

Are there seizure "triggers"?

Some people report very specific "triggers," or immediate causes that can bring a seizure on. They may include:

• Not enough sleep
• Food allergies
• Alcohol
• Illicit drugs, such as cocaine
• Stress
• Flashing lights (ie, from video games, strobe lights)

How is treatment selected and started?

After discussing your medical history, your doctor will start you on a treatment plan. Most often drugs are introduced slowly. This means you will gradually work up to taking the full dosage. During the first few months of therapy, your doctor may order blood tests. How you are tested may depend on which drug you are prescribed.

Are there books I can read to learn more about epilepsy?

The National Epilepsy Foundation recommends the following books:

• A Guide to Understanding and Living with Epilepsy by Orrin Devinsky, MD (F.A. Davis Co., Philadelphia, 1994): This easy-to-understand resource book covers a basic understanding of epilepsy and a wide range of medical, social and legal issues.
• Living Well with Epilepsy, 2nd Edition by Robert J. Gummit, MD (Demos Publications, New York, 1997): This book encourages people with epilepsy to take a more proactive approach in managing their lives. Includes chapters by leading epilepsy experts.
• Epilepsy and the Family: New Guide by Richard Lechtenberg (Harvard University Press, 1999): A useful resource of answers to questions that people with epilepsy and their families might not think to ask their doctors, including the
• physical and psychological effects and the effect on the family.

Illustrations - Three stages of the brain

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From a publication produced by Abbott Laboratories. Pick one up at your next appointment at Texas Tech Physicians Neurology Clinic.